Method and apparatus for disassembling a track chain

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a portable disassembly tool  56  for removing outer track links  36  from a track chain assembly  12.  The disassembly tool  56  includes a body adapted to engage the track chain assembly and a moveable ram  66  to engage a pair of track pins  46.  During extension of the ram  66,  the body  58  engages an outer track link  36  and removes it from the track pins  46.  Additionally, a “V” block  104  is provided to engage the track pins  46  and hold the track chain assembly  12  together after the outer track links  36  have been removed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates generally to a track chain assembly and more specifically to a method and apparatus for disassembling the track chain.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Track type work machines typically have an undercarriage for moving the work machine along the ground. The undercarriage includes track chain assembly encircling a frame rail, a sprocket and a pair of idlers. During use of the work machine the sprocket rotates engaging the track chain assembly, thereby causing the track chain assembly to rotate around a path defined by the sprocket and the idler. The rotation of the track chain assembly causes the work machine to be propelled over the ground so as to perform various work functions.

[0003] Track chain assemblies generally include a pair of parallel chains, with each parallel chain being made up of a series of inner and outer track links. Track chain assemblies further include a series of track pins between and connected to the parallel chains. Typical track chain assemblies include two ends that are coupled together using a special two piece master link to form a continuous chain or loop. An example of a typical master link is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,014 to Dennison et al. The track pins and the track links cooperate to form a number of track joints which allow the necessary movement of the track links relative to one another, for example, when the track chain assembly rotates about the sprocket and the idlers.

[0004] The cost of the master link is considerably higher than the cost of the other track links. Some of the reasons for the higher costs include the fact that relatively smaller quantities of master links are produced, and manufacturing master links requires different forging tools than a typical track link.

[0005] Through normal use, the track chain assembly may require service or replacement of one or more of the track joints. To facilitate this servicing of the track chain assembly, the master link must be disassembled and the track chain removed from the machine. The track chain is then transported to a specially equipped track repair shop. Track repair shops use a track press to disassemble the track chain, replace damaged parts and reassemble the chain. An example of a typical track press can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,908 to Livesay et al. Track presses are large stationary machines that are extremely expensive to own and operate. Track presses are typically housed in a special building, further increasing the expense of ownership. Making even a minor repair to a track assembly could take days. This down time cost machine owners money for the repair and loss of use of the machine.

[0006] What is needed therefore are track chain repair tools which overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention a method of disassembling a track assembly is disclosed. The method of disassembling includes the steps of removing at least one track shoe from said track assembly. A disassembly tool is delivered to at least one of a track assembly and a track type work machine. The disassembly tool includes a body, a link contact portion and stationary contact portion. The link contact portion is moveable relative to the stationary contact portion. The disassembly tool is then positioned relative to a track link that is to be removed. The link contact portion is moved in relation to said stationary contact portion, causing the track link to be removed from the track chain assembly.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention a tool for disassembling a track assembly of a track type work machine is disclosed. The disassembly tool includes a body having a link contact portion and a stationary contact portion. The link contact portion is adapted to engage a track link and the stationary contact portion is adapted to engage a track assembly. The link contact portion is moveable between a first position and a second position. When the link contact portion is moved from the first position to the second position, the link is removed from the track assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a work machine having a track chain assembly for moving the work machine along the ground.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a top view of a partially exploded view of a track chain as used on the work machine of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disassembly tool of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 3a is an exploded view of the disassembly tool of FIG. 3.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the positioning block of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 4a is an exploded view of the positioning block of FIG. 4.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disassembly tool and the positioning block of the present invention being in cooperating engagement with a track chain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a track type tractor 10 is illustrated, although it should be noted that the present invention may be used on any work machine having a track chain assembly 12. The track type tractor 10 includes a frame shown generally as 14, and an engine (not shown) mounted on the frame 14. An undercarriage assembly 16 having a right side (not shown) and a left side 18 is attached to the frame 14. The undercarriage assembly 16 includes a frame rail 22 having a front idler 24 and a rear idler 26 mounted thereupon. Pluralities of bogie wheels 28 are positioned below the frame rail 22 between the front and rear idlers 24, 26. A drive sprocket 32 is positioned above the undercarriage 16 and is drivingly coupled to the engine. The track chain assembly 12 encompasses the undercarriage assembly 16 and engages the drive sprocket 32, front idler 24, rear idler 26 and bogie wheels 28.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, the track chain assembly 12 generally includes a plurality of pairs of track joint assemblies 34 pivotally connected together by pairs of outer track links 36. Each trackjoint assembly 34 includes a pair of inner track links 38 disposed parallel to one another. Each inner track link 38 defines a first aperture 42 and a second aperture 44. The first and second apertures 42, 44 are space a predetermine distance from one another. The predetermined distance defines a track pitch 45. The first and second apertures 42, 44 are configured to receive and provide an interference fit with a track pin 46. The outer track links 36 also define first and second apertures 42, 44 that engage one of the track pins 46. The track pins 46 and the plurality of inner and outer track links 36, 38 cooperate to form the track assembly 12. Each of the inner and outer track links 36, 38 also defines a pair of bolt holes 48. Each bolt hole 48 receives a bolt (not shown), four bolts attach each track shoe 54 to track chain assembly 12.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3a, a disassembly tool 56 of the present invention is illustrated. The disassembly tool 56 includes a body 58, a link contact portion 62, a stationary contact portion 64 and at least one ram 66. The body 58 as shown is a steel member having a first side 72 and a second side 74, a top surface 76, a bottom surface 78, a first end 82 and a second end 84, a pair of bores (not shown) extend from the first side 72 to the second side 74. The bores are spaced a predetermined distance 88 from one another. The predetermined distance 88 is substantially equal to the pitch 45 of the inner and outer track links 36, 38. As illustrated, a pair of rams 66 are attach to the body 58 so as to align with the pair of bores. In a preferred embodiment, the rams 66 are hydraulically actuated, however, pneumatic or other types may be used. A locator portion 92 extends from the top surface 76 of the body 56 and extends past the second side 74. The locator portion 92 is shown having a pair of locators 94, in an embodiment the locator 94 being a cylindrical pin 96 extending downward from the locator portion 92. The locators 94 are configured to engage the pair of bolt holes 48 on the outer track links 36. When the locator pins 96 engage the bolt holes 48 of the outer track links 36, the body 58 is held in a position such that the pair of rams 66 align with the track pins 46. Alternately, the locator portion 92 may be configured to engage other features of the track assembly 12 without varying from the scope of the present invention. A handle 98 is provided on the body 58 to facilitate lifting the disassembly tool 56 using a hoist or other mechanical device.

[0019] The link contact portion 62 as shown in FIG. 3 is a rigid member offset from the second side 74 of the body 58. The link contact portion 62 as shown, is removably attached to the body 58 by a pair of studs 102. Alternately, the link contact portion 62 could be integral of the body 58 and the locator portion 92 forming a rigid “U” shaped structure.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4a, a positioning, or “V” block 104 adapted for use with the disassembly tool 54 of the present invention is shown. The “V” block 104 includes a rigid main member 106 having a first pin engagement portion 108 and a second pin engagement portion 112. The “V” block 104 as illustrated shows the main member 106 as having a top portion 114 and a bottom portion 116. The top portion 114 includes a top surface 118 a, a bottom surface 122 a and a pair of sides 124 a. The top portion 114 includes a raised portion 123 having a pair of threaded holes 125 disposed therein. The threaded holes 125 are configured to receive a pair of support rods 127 (shown in FIG. 5) that engage the body 58 of the disassembly tool 56. The bottom portion 116 includes a top surface 118 b, a bottom surface 122 b and a pair of sides 124 b. The bottom surface 124 a of the top portion 114 is configured to engage the top surface 118 b of the bottom portion 116. The top and bottom portions 114, 116 of the “V” block 104 can be fastened together using a locking pin 126 and a pair of bolts 128.

[0021] The first and second pin engagement portions 108, 112 are defined by the bottom surface 122 a of the top portion 114 and the top surface 118 b of the bottom portion 116, respectively. The pin engagement portions 108, 112 are spaced apart from one another a distance 132 substantially equal to that of the pitch 45 of the outer track link 36. The pin engagement portions 108, 112 are illustrated having a “V” shape, when the top and bottom portions 114, 116 are aligned the pin engagement portions 108, 112 form a diamond shape. When the locking pin 126 and pair of bolts 128 fasten the top portion 114 and bottom portion 116 together, the diamond shape of the pin engagement portions 108, 112 act to pull each track pin 46 into alignment of the apertures 42, 44 of the outer track link 36 to be installed.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of track joint assemblies 46 are shown. The “V” block 104 is positioned about the track joint assemblies 46 and the disassembly tool 56 is being held in position by the support rods 127. The pair of rams 66 align with the track pins. Extension of the rams 66 causes the disassembly tool 56 to pull the outer link 36 from the track chain 12.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0023] In operation the disassembly tool 56 of the present invention provides a method and an apparatus to enable service and repair of a track chain assembly 12 at a remote location.

[0024] Once the disassembly tool 56 has been delivered to the machine a service technician can service that track chain assembly 12 using the following steps. Find a portion of the track chain assembly 12 that is not being obstructed by the machine itself. Typically the portion between the rear idler 16 and drive sprocket 32 provides easy access. To provide access to the track chain assembly the track shoes nearest the portion of the track chain assembly 12 to be repaired must be removed. Each track shoe is removed by removing the four nuts and bolts that secure the shoe to the track links 36, 38.

[0025] The “V” block 104 is disassembled by removing the pair of bolts 128 and loosening the locking pin 126. The bottom portion 116 is brought into position such that each of the pin engagement portions 108, 112 engage with one of the track pins 46 engaging the outer link 36 to be removed. The top portion 114 is then positioned to engage the top surface 118 b of the bottom portion 116.

[0026] The locking pin 126 is turned to fasten the top portion 114 and bottom portion 116 together. The pair of bolts 128 are next inserted though the top portion 114, into the bottom portion 116, and tightened to secure the “V” block 104 to the track pins 46.

[0027] The disassembly tool 56 is then removed from its container, the link contact portion 62 and the stationary contact portion 64 should be inspected to verify that they are the properly sized tools to fit the pitch 45 of the track links 36, 38. The disassembly tool 56 is then positioned with the locators 94 engaging the outer track link 36 being removed. A portable hoist may be used to lift and position the disassembly tool 56. After the disassembly tool 56 has been positioned, appropriate hydraulic or pneumatic hoses should be connected to the rams 66. The pair of support rods 127 may be used to loosely connect the “V” block 104 and disassembly tool 56, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0028] Upon actuating the rams 66, the stationary contact portion 64 will engage the track pins 46 of the outer track link 36. As the rams 66 continue to extend, the body 58 and link contact portion 62 begin to move, wherein the link contact portion 62 engages the outer track link 36. Continued extension of the rams 66 causes the outer track link 36 to be removed from the track chain assembly 12. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of disassembling a track assembly for a track type work machine including the steps of: removing at least one track shoe from said track assembly; positioning a disassembly tool relative to said track assembly, said disassembly tool including a body, a stationary contact portion, and a link contact portion attached to said body, said link contact portion being moveable relative to said stationary contact portion; and moving said link contact portion in a predetermined direction relative to said stationary contact portion, to remove said track link from said track chain assembly.
 2. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 1, wherein said track assembly is positioned around an undercarriage assembly 16 of a work machine.
 3. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 1, including the step of lifting said disassembly tool using a hoist to a position near said track assembly prior to said step of positioning said disassembly tool.
 4. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 1, wherein the step of moving said link contact portion causes said stationary contact portion to engage at least one of a pair of track pins.
 5. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 1, wherein the step of moving said link contact portion includes said stationary contact portion engaging a positioning block, said positioning block being attached to at least one track pin.
 6. The method of disassembling a track assembly of claim 5, wherein said step of moving said link contact portion includes supporting said disassembly tool from at least one support rod attached to said positioning block.
 7. The method of disassembling a track assembly of claim 1, wherein said step positioning said disassembly tool on said track link includes engaging at least one locator with a predetermined feature on said track link.
 8. The method disassembling a track assembly of claim 7, wherein said step of engaging at least one locator includes engaging at least one locator with a bolt hole in said track link.
 9. A tool for disassembling a track assembly having at least one track link comprising: a body including a link contact portion adapted to engage a track link and a stationary contact portion adapted to engage a track assembly, said link contact portion being moveable between first and second positions, for removing said track link from said track assembly.
 10. The disassembly tool of claim 9, including a hydraulic ram connected between said link contact portion and said stationary contact portion.
 11. The disassembly tool of claim 9, including a pneumatic cylinder connected between said link contact and said stationary contact portion.
 12. The disassembly tool of claim 9, including a mechanical drive apparatus connected between said link contact portion and said stationary contact portion.
 13. The disassembly tool of claim 9, wherein said link contact portion engages a track link and said stationary contact portion engages a second track pin.
 14. The disassembly tool of claim 9, wherein said disassembly tool 56 includes at least one locator, said locator being configured to maintain said disassembly tool in a predetermined position relative to said track assembly.
 15. The disassembly tool of claim 9, wherein said link contact portion is removable.
 16. The disassembly tool of claim 16 including a plurality of different sized link contact portions, each of said plurality of link contact portions being adapted to fit a respective track link having a predetermined pitch.
 17. A tool for disassembling a track assembly of a track type work machine, said disassembly tool comprising: a portable configuration adapted for moving said disassembly tool from a storage location to a remote location; a body configured to engage one of a track assembly or a track type work machine; a link contact portion being moveable relative to said body and adapted to engage an outer track link, wherein movement of said link contact portion relative to said body removes said outer track link from said track assembly.
 18. The disassembly tool of claim 17, wherein said portable configuration includes one of a pallet and a bin, each of said pallet and said bin being adapted to (i) receive said disassembly tool and (ii) be delivered to said work location.
 19. The disassembly tool of claim 17, including a power source configured to supply one of hydraulic and pneumatic pressures to cause movement of said link contact portion with respect to said body.
 20. A method of disassembling a track assembly for a track type work machine including the steps of: removing at least one track shoe from said track assembly; delivering a disassembly tool to at least one of a track assembly and a track type work machine; positioning said disassembly tool relative to a track link to be removed from said track assembly; and removing said track link from said track chain assembly.
 21. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 20, wherein said track assembly is positioned around an undercarriage of a work machine.
 22. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 20, including the step of lifting said disassembly tool, using a hoist, to a position near said track assembly prior to said step of positioning said disassembly tool.
 23. The method of disassembling the track assembly of claim 20, wherein the step of removing outer track link includes is preceded by the step of positioning a “V” block on at least one track pin. 